For over a century, the Matild Palace has graced the skyline over the Elisabeth Bridge, serving as a welcoming beacon for those crossing the Danube River from Buda to Pest, the two halves composing Hungary’s capital, Budapest. Constructed in 1902 during the prosperous era of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the palace was erected as a symbol of strength and success.
Throughout its illustrious history, the Matild Palace enjoyed a golden age in the early 20th century, attracting people eager to see and be seen within its opulent surroundings. During the pre-1918 dissolution of the empire, Europe’s elite, royalty, and celebrities frequented the palace’s public café, an iconic establishment in Hungary’s renowned café culture.
Despite surviving two world wars and experiencing a revival in the 1950s, the Matild Palace faced a decline under communist rule, and subsequent attempts at revival in the post-Soviet era failed to restore its former glory. However, after a meticulous five-year transformation led by renowned interior designer Maria Vafiadis and local architects Puhl Antal and Péter Dajka, the Matild Palace has once again emerged as a jewel in Budapest’s social scene.
Reopened in 2021 as the Marriott-branded Matild Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, the establishment marks a new chapter in its rich history. Situated within a UNESCO-listed palace, the hotel boasts 130 rooms, offering a luxurious five-star experience, while preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of the Matild Palace.
The story of the Matild Palace dates back to the late 19th century when Princess Marie Clotilde of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the Archduchess of Austria, sought to infuse western European Belle Époque culture into Hungary. Commissioned by the princess, the Matild Palace, along with its sister building, the Klotild Palace, flanked the Pest-side entrance to the newly constructed Elisabeth Bridge over the Danube. Completed in 1902, the Matild Palace quickly became a symbol of the fusion of Buda, Pest, and Óbuda into a new cosmopolitan city.
Architects Flóris Korb and Kálmán Giergl designed the palace, incorporating groundbreaking techniques and features such as intricate Zsolnay ceramics and stunning stained glass by Hungarian artist Miksa Róth. The property also introduced Hungary to its first elevator system by the Otis Elevator Company. Despite facing challenges such as the devastation of two world wars, the Matild Palace persisted as a cultural icon.
After surviving the turbulent mid-20th century, including the 1944-45 Siege of Budapest and the subsequent nationalization of the café house under communist rule, the Matild Palace underwent various transformations. It served as a student canteen, a nightclub, and even a disco club. Despite these adaptations, the building’s architectural and artistic assets suffered, and the café culture waned.
In 1977, recognizing its historical significance, UNESCO placed the Matild Palace under protection. Throughout the years, the building underwent refurbishments, including the reopening of the café, now called Lidó, in 1984. The Lidó became a cultural hub, offering entertainment such as folklore shows, live jazz, and cabaret performances.
The most remarkable transformation occurred in 2017 when an $80 million renovation project commenced, aiming to convert the Matild Palace into a luxury hotel. Led by designers, architects, and artisans, the project focused on preserving the historic spaces in their original Belle Époque form. In 2021, the Matild Palace reopened its doors, meticulously restored to its former grandeur.
The Matild Palace hotel features various dining outlets, each offering a unique experience. Spago by Wolfgang Puck marks the debut of the renowned chef’s Beverly Hills dining concept in Hungary, offering a contemporary twist on traditional Hungarian cuisine. The Duchess at Matild Palace is a secret liquor library hidden high above Budapest, providing stunning views across the city. Matild Café & Cabaret, styled in Belle Époque fashion, serves as a vibrant party hub with cabaret shows on a hydraulic elevated stage.
The hotel’s Swan Spa offers a charming boutique spa experience, blending traditional Turkish-Hungarian-inspired baths with thermal therapy and Hammam rituals. The Matild Palace provides 111 luxury guest rooms and 19 executive suites, each inspired by the extravagant lifestyle of the archduchess.
Named the Maria Klotild Royal Suite in homage to the archduchess, the swankiest rooms feature crystal chandeliers, handmade glass mosaics, and bespoke furniture. The hotel also pays tribute to the café culture, displaying artifacts and artworks related to its past as a haven for Budapest’s creatives.
With the Matild Palace’s restoration, Budapest welcomes back a cultural and architectural gem, offering both guests and locals an opportunity to experience the grandeur of a bygone era. The preservation of this historic landmark ensures that its Belle Époque soul remains a vital part of Budapest’s vibrant present and future.